What Exactly Are Health Claims?
Health claims on food labels describe a relationship between a food substance and a reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversee these claims to ensure they are supported by scientific evidence. The FDA's regulation, established by the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA), aims to prevent misleading information and promote science-based labeling. The FDA categorizes claims based on the strength of scientific consensus.
Authorized Health Claims: The Gold Standard
Authorized health claims have the strongest scientific backing, supported by "significant scientific agreement" among experts based on publicly available data. These claims require FDA approval through a petition process. An example is the FDA-authorized claim: "Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a disease associated with many factors".
Qualified Health Claims: A Lower Tier of Evidence
Qualified health claims have some scientific support but do not meet the high standard of authorized claims. These claims must include a disclaimer to accurately communicate the level of scientific certainty. The FDA evaluates the evidence and disclaimer for these claims.
What Are Structure-Function Claims?
Structure-function claims describe how a nutrient or ingredient affects normal body functions or structures, without claiming to treat or cure a disease. These do not require pre-market FDA approval, but are regulated. Examples include "Calcium builds strong bones" or "Fiber promotes regularity." Dietary supplements with these claims must include an FDA disclaimer.
Health Claims vs. Nutrient Content Claims
Nutrient content claims characterize the level of a nutrient in a food, such as "low fat" or "high fiber". They differ from health claims as they don't directly link the food to disease risk. These claims are also regulated and must meet specific FDA criteria. For example, a "low fat" food must have 3 grams of fat or less per serving.
A Consumer's Guide to Reading Health Claims
To make informed choices, consider these points when reading health claims:
- Read the full label: Don't rely solely on front-of-package claims. Check the Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient list for a complete picture.
- Evaluate scientific support: Authorized claims are highly reliable. Qualified claims, with their disclaimers, indicate less conclusive evidence.
- Focus on overall diet: Health claims are part of a larger dietary context. No single food guarantees health; prioritize a balanced diet.
- Be aware of implied claims: Images or symbols can imply health benefits. These are regulated but can be subtle.
Comparison of Claim Types
| Feature | Authorized Health Claim | Qualified Health Claim | Structure-Function Claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Evidence | Significant Scientific Agreement (SSA) among experts. | Some scientific evidence exists, but it does not meet SSA standard. | Based on generally accepted scientific evidence. |
| Regulatory Approval | Requires pre-market FDA approval through a petition process. | Requires FDA review and evaluation, often results in a 'letter of enforcement discretion'. | Does not require pre-market FDA approval. |
| Disclaimer Required | No. | Yes, qualifying language must be included. | Yes, for dietary supplements only. |
| Focus | Reducing the risk of a specific disease or health-related condition. | Reducing the risk of a disease or health-related condition, but with less certainty. | The role of a nutrient in affecting the normal structure or function of the body. |
| Example | "Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease." | "Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that…" | "Calcium builds strong bones." |
Conclusion
Understanding what are health claims on food labels is key to making informed dietary choices. Differentiating between authorized, qualified, and structure-function claims helps consumers evaluate product benefits accurately. Combining label interpretation with broader nutritional knowledge and a focus on a balanced diet is the most effective approach. This knowledge empowers you to confidently choose foods that support your health.
For Further Reading
For more detailed information on FDA regulations regarding health claims, refer to the {Link: FDA's official Q&A on Health Claims in Food Labeling https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/questions-and-answers-health-claims-food-labeling}.
